Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:19
Quantitative Comparison of cis-Regulatory Element (CRE) Activities in Transgenic Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: December 19, 2011
Improved cre reporter transgenic Xenopus.
Scott A Rankin1, Takashi Hasebe, Aaron M Zorn
1Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Summary
Researchers developed new Xenopus reporter lines to track Cre recombinase activity, enabling precise lineage tracing in frog development. These improved lines offer robust expression for permanent fate mapping and cell lineage analysis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cre recombinase is a powerful tool for genetic manipulation.
- Robust reporter lines are essential for accurate lineage tracing in model organisms.
- Xenopus laevis is a valuable vertebrate model for developmental studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize improved transgenic Cre reporter lines in Xenopus.
- To assess the utility of these lines for lineage tracing and fate mapping.
- To optimize transgenesis efficiency using the meganuclease method.
Main Methods:
- Development of transgenic Xenopus lines expressing CFP/DsRed2 reporters.
- Utilizing the CMV promoter for ubiquitous expression.
- Employing the meganuclease method for transgenesis.
- Assessing Cre-mediated recombination and fluorophore switching.
- Evaluating reporter line stability across generations.
Main Results:
- Established three independent, high-expression, Cre-sensitive Xenopus reporter lines.
- Confirmed robust fluorophore expression and stability across generations.
- Demonstrated successful lineage tracing and permanent fate mapping via Cre mRNA injection.
- Showcased potential for tissue-specific Cre drivers in detailed lineage analysis.
Conclusions:
- The new Xenopus Cre reporter lines are suitable for lineage tracing and fate mapping.
- These tools facilitate detailed analysis of cell lineage relationships during development and adulthood.
- Improvements in fluorophore choice and transgenesis methods enhance their utility.
